Stop Sign Added Near Bedford Hills Firehouse For Safety

A new stop sign has been added to an intersection by the Bedford Hills firehouse.Photo Credit: Tom AuchterlonieFirefighters at a recent Bedford Town Board meeting. The subject was whether to install a stop sign near the Bedford Hills firehouse.Photo Credit: Tom AuchterlonieThe Bedford Hills firehouse.Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie

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BEDFORD HILLS, N.Y. -- A stop sign has been installed by the Bedford Hills firehouse and a downtown intersection, a move that firefighters support in an effort to make crossing safer for pedestrians.

The sign is located at a northbound branch off of Route 117 that heads into the downtown area, while the main part of the road continues north towards Katonah. The firehouse comes up on the right side following the sign.

The town board gave its approval for the sign at a meeting on Aug. 18.

The stop sign replaced a yield sign that was found to be inadequate for safety. According to a Bedford Police briefing before the board’s vote, it was determined that drivers heading to the yield sign will look to their left for other vehicles but are not focused enough on activities immediately ahead. The complete stop involved with a stop sign, it was noted, is intended to cause drivers to look more carefully.

Bedford Hills Assistant Fire Chief Jason Nickson, who spoke on behalf on his fellow department chiefs, spoke in favor of switching the sign. Nickson also noted that several firefighters have been hit while crossing the nearby intersection and many others faced close calls.

Swapping signs was approved unanimously by the town board and with no disagreement among board members.

“This is an easy one, and much needed,” said Councilman Francis Corcoran.